As seems to be the case each year - more and more black faces are gracing the big screen - and more are being recognized by the ''mainstream'' for the superb work that they do. Moreover, in the last few years, there's been an increase of production behind the scenes - proving there's more than one way to skin a cat (or top a box office.) From documentaries that tell our stories to family flicks to black-backed movies about thoughtful pimps, this year was nothing if not diverse. Don't forget to let your voice be heard for which film deserves top honors for 2005.

1.) 'Hustle & Flow' "Everybody gotta have a dream" says the refrain of 'Hustle and Flow,' the story of a black man from Memphis who didn't have much materially, but spiritually, and artistically savored a dream. Played masterfully by Terrence Howard, who brought the all of the angst and conflict of main character DJ to the surface, 'Hustle and Flow' is as much a story about a black pimp who wants to be a rapper as 'The Godfather' is about the mob. What makes a film resonate is that it's that and so much more. This John Singleton produced film proves that our stories are worthy and when they are made, there is a pay off for all - audience and Hollywood. Howard is favored (and backed by Will Smith) for an Oscar nomination this year.

2.) 'Crash'
If ever there was a film that took race, class, fear and honesty and threw them in your face, this is it. Co-starring enormously gifted thespian (and co-producer) Don Cheadle, as well as Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, Thandie Newton, Ludacris and Ryan Phillippe, this ensemble cast revolves around an L.A. car crash (hence the name) but cars aren't he only things that crash here. Race and class collide more often than not in vignettes and strands of discourse between characters. The line gets blurred between victim and perpetrator and some of the dialogue may make you cringe in this Paul Haggis directed flick.

3.) 'The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till'
Talk about the power of film. This documentary on the story of Emmett Louis Till, the 14-year-old Chicago native son who was brutally murdered in 1955 in the Mississippi Delta, actually impacted the criminal case over half a century later. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of his death, and with new evidence including several witnesses to Emmett's abduction speaking up for the first time, exhuming Emmett's grave for an autopsy, and haunting interviews with Mamie Till Mobley - the mother who insisted that her son's casket be laid open for all the see the sore of racism in this country, 'The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till' is an American tragedy but also a crucial, important, relevant part of its history. Brooklyn documentarian Keith Beauchamp not only made art, he fostered justice.

4.) 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman'
From the so-called chitlin' circuit to sitting pretty atop the box office, writer, producer and actor Tyler Perry has taken his Madea character straight to the bank. With his first feature film, 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' - and despite a lukewarm reception from critics - Perry proved that black stories about faith, family and a little bit of madness thrown in (in the form of a gun-toting, weed-smoking grandma) can be top sellers. Add in film royalty like Cicely Tyson and you can't go wrong. The numbers back him up -- Lions Gate Studio made a small mint off of 'Diary' which opened at No. 1 at the box office and generated over $50 million in domestic ticket sales. The DVD, released later this year, sold 2.4 million units in the first week alone. LGF immediately signed Perry to a multi-picture deal, establishing him as a company franchise for years to come.

5.) 'Roll Bounce'
Rapper Bow Wow, who has been on the scene for some time, is making a nice career out of family movies. And why not? Ever since 'The Cosby Show,' it's been proven that black folk respond to wholesome images on the screen. Malcolm Lee's flick about roller skating back in the day has a feel good vibe to it (with a thumping soundtrack to boot) and if your family is post-Disney but pre-50 Cent, movies such as these provide nice intergenerational fare for all.